Based on the short stories by George R.R. Martin, my original plan to start watching Game of Thrones – only when the entire show is over has failed. I’m nearly up to date and I get why it’s a hit. The stories, characters, execution and eye candy are all part of the magic.

Soon after starting, I had strong doubts as to whether I could commit to watching the evil of the Lannisters and worse. Believe me, worse evil definitely follows. I eventually persevered but only after I was reassured that the Lannisters get whats coming to them in the following seasons.

To put it very simply, Game of Thrones is a fantasy TV show about the fight between several noble families for ultimate power; the power to sit upon the iron throne and rule over the land.

Game Of Thrones (2011-), Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon)

What became clear to me quite quickly as I watched is that there really is only one true royal that the iron throne appears to belong to. The real question is whether the rightful owner will win it. Having not read the books on which Game of Thrones is based, I have no idea – and with the shows reputation for killing characters the audience gets attached to, absolutely anything is possible. Even with all that I think the belief that evil is not going to win in the end is important. It’s part of the reason why I’m sticking with it; to see how evil is ended and everything concluded.

At this current point in season 6, I have to admit that I’m ready for things to be permanently wrapped up. Don’t get me wrong. Though I wouldn’t call myself as completely obsessed, I like the show and some characters. Especially Peter dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister (because of his dialogue), Tom Wlaschiha’s Jaqen H’ghar (because of the general mystery plus the rhythm of his speech). Then there’s Kit Harrington’s John Snow and his impeccable hair, of course.

As for a few things about the show that I wish weren’t so, I think there are too many different stories and they’re not always the ones you wish you were watching in a given hour long episode.

At one or two moments, I did find myself thinking ‘but does that ring true?’ For example, if you’re likely to be killed very shortly unless someone in the most deep of ‘sleeps’ wakes up and helps, would you not slap them in the face at least once when simply shouting and shaking them isn’t working? I’m not saying the slap would definitely work, but surely you would slap someone? Particularly if a bucket of iced water isn’t an option. It may just be that everyone is just not as smart / violent as I am. Perhaps. Wink, wink.

There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones is good, it’s just a question of whether it’s your kind of good. What has impressed me most about the show isn’t a single character or story line, but rather, the 10-15 minute action sequence when the white walkers attack the wildlings. Epic is most definitely the word. I was gripped for every single second of that, thanks to a great musical score, well choreographed action, good editing and everything else.